POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are investigating a deputy-involved shooting during a SWAT standoff in Pompano Beach.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to reports of a suspicious incident in the area of the 2300 block of Bay Drive at 1:30 p.m.
Deputies say an armed individual barricaded himself inside a vacant home that was for sale.
“Our patrol units respond to that call and tried to make contact with the individual in which time he ran from them, fled inside the facility and barricaded himself inside,” said Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony.
Cellphone video captured by a neighbor showed a heavily armed deputy rush toward the home.
BSO surrounded the home for hours as they attempted to negotiate with the armed individual.
“Several hours of trying to negotiate and get this individual to come out we started realizing he was making threats of violence, threats of shootings, so we interpreted that as the suspect was armed,” said Tony.
Authorities say the man directed multiple threats toward deputies, causing deputies to use a drone to enter the home in an attempt to spot the man.
Deputies heard gunfire after the drone entered the home leading to wait several more hours before sending a second drone in, which resulted in more gunshots being fired inside the home.
“The drone was able to locate the individual, spot him on and at which time we heard gunfire that opened up. It appears that the suspect was either shooting at the drone or trying to hit the drone,” said Tony.
Deputies then attempted to use a K9 unit but were forced to confront the man after, they say, he attacked the K9.
“The dog came into contact with him and he started attacking the dog. He struck the dog with the drone,” said Tony.
The man was killed after exchanging gunfire with deputies.
Neighbors said the roads around the area were blocked off for most of Tuesday afternoon and evening.
“For a moment I felt confused and scared. This is very, very quiet street, the safest street nothing happens over here. Never,” said a woman.
Chris, who live in the neighborhood, described deputies swift and tactical response.
“Oh they came in fast. There was two cars at first and then there were 20 cars and they had the whole block closed down,” he said.
One woman said the street is known for seasonal homes.
“Not too good right, you don’t feel good, you don’t expect that to happen in the area where you live,” she said. “A lot of homes are empty for part of the year, so I guess something has to be done.’
BSO identified the man as 38-year-old Esterlin Appolon, who deputies said had multiple prior convictions and was a convicted felon.
As is the case with all deputy-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.
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